Amid the acute water shortage in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Monday the State had not witnessed such a severe drought in the past three-four decades.
"In the last 30-40 years we had not seen such drought; though there was drought earlier we had never declared such a large number of taluks as drought-affected,", he said.
Shivakumar slammed the BJP for playing politics over the issue.
"BJP is planning a protest against the state government tomorrow, let them do what they want, first let them approach the central government and ask them to give permission to Mahadayi and Mekedaatu projects", he said.
Meanwhile, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board has said it will take legal action against those drilling unauthorised borewells within the city limits.
Starting March 15, people can seek permission for drilling borewells by submitting their applications on the official website of the Board.
(With inputs from agencies)